Food Poisoning Long Term Effects

Food poisoning can be a result of a number of bacterium, the most common of which are Salmonella, E.Coli and Listeria. While most people are aware of the immediate discomfort and sickness caused by these food borne infections, not many are aware of the long term damage these can do.

When it comes to a mild food poisoning infection, the symptoms usually last for about a week. Diarrhoea and vomiting normally help the body rid itself of the bacteria. However there are far more serious consequences to severe food poisoning cases.

Severe food poisoning has the potential to cause paralysis, kidney damage and other lasting complications, such as damage to the large intestine.

The potential for severe damage depends partly on the type of pathogen causing the illness because the toxicity of varying strains of bacteria differ. The strength of the sufferer’s immune system and their overall health level also influence whether or not they suffer with severe side effects.

Dangerous strains of bacteria or algae cause the type of illness most likely to damage your colon. Unsanitary food or water carries the pathogens and when swallowed the organisms multiply in the person’s digestive tract.

As quickly as within 4 hours of contracting the foodborne bacteria, people can suffer with the first symptoms of nausea, cramps and diarrhoea. The pathogens produce toxic compounds inside the stomach and intestines. Some organisms such as Shigella and E. coli damage the lining of the gut, causing bloody diarrhoea.

The most common symptom of food poisoning is diarrhoea. This can last several days and if longer it can be deadly. If the person does not replace the fluids lost during diarrhoea, they may become dehydrated and may even be killed.

Another serious condition that can be caused by a food borne infection is hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition is a serious one and children are particularly vulnerable to contracting it. It is caused by the toxins released by E.Coli bacteria and cause red blood cells to be destroyed and the long term kidney injury can result.

Reactive chronic arthritis can develop after a Campylobacter infection. People who contract a Shigella or Salmonella infection develop reactive arthritis experiencing joint pain, painful urination and irritated eyes, for months or years leading to chronic arthritis.

Another dangerous remnant of a food borne illness is meningitis. Listeria and Salmonella infections can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain. For newborn babies long-term consequences can include mental retardation, seizures, paralysis, blindness or permanent deafness.

Researchers have also found that a nerve disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome, can be caused by a foodborne illness. The nerve disorder can cause temporary or long-term paralysis and is triggered by an infection with Campylobacter.

In order to avoid these and other long term, life threatening side effects people should be careful about how they handle and prepare food. It is also important that when eating out, you are sure that establishment is doing the same.

Food poisoning can be a result of a number of bacterium, the most common of which are Salmonella, E.Coli and Listeria. While most people are aware of the immediate discomfort and sickness caused by these food borne infections, not many are aware of the long term damage these can do.

When it comes to a mild food poisoning infection, the symptoms usually last for about a week. Diarrhoea and vomiting normally help the body rid itself of the bacteria. However there are far more serious consequences to severe food poisoning cases.

Severe food poisoning has the potential to cause paralysis, kidney damage and other lasting complications, such as damage to the large intestine.

The potential for severe damage depends partly on the type of pathogen causing the illness because the toxicity of varying strains of bacteria differ. The strength of the sufferer’s immune system and their overall health level also influence whether or not they suffer with severe side effects.

Dangerous strains of bacteria or algae cause the type of illness most likely to damage your colon. Unsanitary food or water carries the pathogens and when swallowed the organisms multiply in the person’s digestive tract.

As quickly as within 4 hours of contracting the foodborne bacteria, people can suffer with the first symptoms of nausea, cramps and diarrhoea. The pathogens produce toxic compounds inside the stomach and intestines. Some organisms such as Shigella and E. coli damage the lining of the gut, causing bloody diarrhea.

The most common symptom of food poisoning is diarrhea. This can last several days and if longer it can be deadly. If the person does not replace the fluids lost during diarrhea, they may become dehydrated and may even be killed.

Another serious condition that can be caused by a food borne infection is hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition is a serious one and children are particularly vulnerable to contracting it. It is caused by the toxins released by E.Coli bacteria and cause red blood cells to be destroyed and the long term kidney injury can result.

Reactive chronic arthritis can develop after a Campylobacter infection. People who contract a Shigella or Salmonella infection develop reactive arthritis experiencing joint pain, painful urination and irritated eyes, for months or years leading to chronic arthritis.

Another dangerous remnant of a food borne illness is meningitis. Listeria and Salmonella infections can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain. For newborn babies long-term consequences can include mental retardation, seizures, paralysis, blindness or permanent deafness.

Researchers have also found that a nerve disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome, can be caused by a foodborne illness. The nerve disorder can cause temporary or long-term paralysis and is triggered by an infection with Campylobacter.

In order to avoid these and other long term, life threatening side effects people should be careful about how they handle and prepare food. It is also important that when eating out, you are sure that establishment is doing the same.